by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ —- New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R-District 30) will recognize Tom Luchento, president of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey, for his vigorous efforts to help people in the harness racing industry.

Dancer will honor Luchento at his legislative campaign reception scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 22 in the Renaissance Room at Freehold Raceway.

Assemblyman Dancer, who has been a state assemblyman since November 2002, is the son of the late Stanley Dancer, a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and one of the most famous people in the industry.

On July 11, 2008, Luchento accepted the 2008 Stanley Dancer Media Award, presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, which acknowledges an individual whose efforts on behalf of racing and co-operation with the media are in keeping with the example set by the late Hall of Fame driver and trainer Stanley Dancer of New Egypt, N.J.

Luchento was recognized for his positive representation of the Standardbred industry before state lawmakers and with journalists for whom he was a co-operative and quotable source.

Luchento began his involvement in harness racing in 1959 while he was attending Madison Township (now Old Bridge) High School. He opened his own stable when he was 20 and both drove and trained horses that raced at the Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway.

In 1989, Luchento stopped driving and concentrated on training horses and opened Luchento’s Country Italian Restaurant on Route 33 in Millstone, N.J., walking distance to the training centers at Gaitway and Showplace Farms.

Luchento’s Restaurant thrived under the management of the Luchentos for 17 years and was sold in September of 2008.

Luchento has been the SBOANJ president the last three years and is also vice president of Harness Horsemen’s International (HHI).

Now that he has sold the restaurant and has more time to devote to the issues of concern to horsemen, he also is running for a USTA District 12 directorship.

Tickets for the buffet dinner and presentation ceremonies on October 22 may be purchased through Jamie Montgomery at (856) 810-7390 or jmontgomery@turnkeyproductions.net. The contribution is $250 per person.